Opening Soon

The Irving Nature Park opens for the season on May 1.
I have noticed in the last week or two that the roadway has been graded and debris removed from the trails.

As if you need another reason to live west.

Get two quarters, cross the bridge, enjoy the water. We'll share.

It's Earth Day

Hug your Earth - it's the only one you'll get.

Check out this sight on Sand Cove Road, not far from the Sheldon Point barn. Sketchy.

New Lawtons Store

Lawton's on Manawagonish Road will soon be relocating to this much larger facility on the corner of Catherwood and Ready Streets, the former location of Sobeys.

From the sign (and the size of the building) it's safe to assume this store will carry a lot more than the current location does, items such as assistive devices required for home health care.

So the question is, what will become of the current Lawtons space once it is empty?

What the Deuce?

I am always taken aback when I drive by this  ...  on Prince Street.   It's been there for a while; quite the extension cord.

National Voluteer Week

April 18 - 24 is National Volunteer Week in Canada.    I have been volunteering in different capacities for many years, and it is a great way to give back to the community.

Locally, the Saint John Volunteer Centre does an incredible job promoting volunteerism and connecting people with volunter opportunities.  Check them out, and make a difference in your communty.

Record Store Day

I ventured uptown yesterday for Record Store Day activities at Backstreet Records.

Despite the cold, an enthusiastic crowd gathered for great music by Riot River, Rose Cousins,The  Telecasts, Haunted Heart, and the Wooden Wives.

Good times.

Can we afford a new fire station?

At Monday’s council meeting a decision to engage consultants to develop plans to replace the King St. west fire station was put on hold.

The station, located in the lower west side, is in a building nearly 100 years old. Rob Simond's, the fire chief, was quoted in the TJ that several modifications have already been made to accommodate new fire fighting equipment.

This fire station serves the north end and uptown, as well as the west side; all areas are dense with very old wooden structures.

Many former fire station sites have been modified to house businesses and homes. The old Beaconsfield fire station on Lancaster Avenue, built in 1930, has been a residence for many years. The image, below left,  was taken last summer - since then the owners have done extensive work on the brickwork and the building looks great. On the right is an image of the fire station while still in use.

Pick a winner

If you haven't already voted in the Best of Saint John Music Poll, time is running out (has it already run out?) The 3rd annual awards will be held at the Blue Olive May 14th.
 

Amazon / Schmamazon! 

Yer not done yet! More Voting.

The Bay of Fundy has made it to the finals of the New 7 Wonders of the World / New 7 Wonders of Nature. It's the only Canadian finalist.   Be sure to visit the website and vote for the Bay of Fundy;  the competition is impressive, and we want to put an end to the "drive-through tourist" syndrome in NB.

Asian Kitchen

I finally had a chance to check out the Asian Kitchen on Lancaster Avenue, and I wasn't disappointed.
The restaurant offers Thai, Chinese and Indian meals;  portions are very generous, and service is good.  And the food is delicious.
If you're craving noodles, curries, or other Asian foods, check it out.

Lancaster Mall Grand Opening

I dropped by the Lancaster Mall yesterday to take in the Grand Opening celebrations.   There was a good crowd in attendance and the weather was cooperating  - an outdoor tent featured entertainment from the Downtown Blues Band from Fredericton.   I am pleased to see the mall finally has a web site.

The mall has come a long way in the last year.  There is definitely a modern feel to the interior.  The transit lounge features plenty of seating and WiFi is available.  Although the mall is small, it's worth taking a look. Counsel Corp is to be congratulated. 

Will there be a Kent Store on the west side?

I have been hearing since last summer that a Kent store will be opening on the corner of Catherwood and Fairville Blvd.   Again this week, someone mentioned it to me.  And when Councilor Farren expressed his frustration in March that

Enterprise Saint John may be inadvertently preventing a major retail deal on the West Side

I thought of the Kent store rumours that have been circulating.
Here's the location where the Kent store is supposedly going to be built, the  Irving Fleet Maintenance Building.

I wonder what large retailer Councilor Farren was talking about?

There's no need for this.

This junk has been dumped at the edge of Holy Cross Cemetery on Sand Cove Road.   Why?

Look familiar?

Winter mitten & hat -  lost / found at the Irving Nature Park.   Hoping we'll soon forget all about these till next winter.